How Do You Write a Good Character Letter for Court?

April 23, 2024November 15, 2024 by Amber Zehrung

Character letters help show judges and District Attorneys (DAs) that you are more than your latest mistake. They can be vital tools in navigating your criminal case. A character letter can help you: Receive a more lenient sentence. Convince a judge to offer deferred adjudication, which gives you a chance to avoid a conviction if you meet certain conditions. Continue reading →

Can I Get My Gun Rights Back In California?

December 14, 2023October 18, 2024 by Barry Zimmerman

There are several ways that an individual can lose gun rights in California. Some of them don't even require a conviction. In this post, we go over how a person can lose their gun rights and possible ways to get them back. What are ways I could lose my gun rights in California? Continue reading →

Will the New California Sex Offender Law Get Me Off the Registry?

November 22, 2023August 19, 2024 by Zachary Merliss

Since the passage of SB 384, many convicted sex offenders want to know about the California sex offender laws of 2021 and how to get off the sex offender registry in California. Read on to find out how the new law will help many sex offenders registered in California get their lives back. What is the new law for sex offenders in California? Continue reading →

Everything You Need to Know About Veterans Court and Military Diversion

November 9, 2023April 17, 2024 by Camille Halley

California Military Diversion, also known as Veterans Diversion, is a pre-trial diversion program, within Veteran’s Court, for active-duty or former members of the United States Military who are charged with a misdemeanor and suffer from certain types of trauma or mental health issues. Continue reading →

Can I Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor in California?

October 10, 2023August 28, 2024 by Camille Halley

Misdemeanor crimes are often misunderstood. While not as serious as felony crimes, any misdemeanor charge can still result in custody time, significant fines, probation status, firearm prohibitions, license suspensions, and otherwise damage your life and create ongoing problems. When you are armed with knowledge, you can work with your attorney to make better decisions about your case. Continue reading →

What is California’s New Clean Slate Law in 2023?

September 16, 2023August 19, 2024 by Camille Halley

If you want your arrest records to be sealed or your conviction to be dismissed, it may be possible because of California’s Clean Slate Act, which allows Californians to move forward with their lives without being held back by conviction or arrest records. Continue reading →

How Mental Health Diversion Can Help You Avoid Jail Time and Get Treatment

August 12, 2023August 28, 2024 by Camille Halley

Fact: Every person probably has an identifiable “mental health condition” that will potentially keep them from getting convicted of a crime. Conservatively, anywhere from 15-31% of defendants have an identifiable mental illness. California law recognizes that mental health issues could play a role in criminal behavior, so the state created a program to keep those defendants out of jail. Continue reading →

How a Lawyer Can Help You Make Domestic Violence Charges Go Away

January 19, 2023April 23, 2024 by Amber Zehrung

When the police receive a domestic violence (DV) call, they go to the location and investigate the situation by speaking to the individuals involved. Based on that investigation, they usually arrest whomever they determine to be the perpetrator. This is for safety purposes; they want to be sure that once they leave the situation the conflict isn’t going to flare up again. Continue reading →

Keeping Your License After a DUI License Suspension

December 13, 2022October 21, 2024 by Camille Halley

Written by Zachary Merliss December 13, 2022; reviewed by Camille Halley October 21, 2024. If you are arrested for a DUI, then the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend or revoke your license (know your rights if you are pulled over for a DUI). Continue reading →

Can You Beat a Drug Charge in California?

July 16, 2022October 22, 2024 by Joel Weinstein

Drug-related charges can lead to jail time, the loss of your job, the loss of your home, and the loss of your relationships. Rebuilding a career, finding housing, and restoring your reputation after drug charges can be an uphill battle. In order to avoid these consequences, you need excellent representation on your side. Continue reading →

Will A New 2021 California Probation Law Shorten Your Probation?

March 18, 2021October 22, 2024 by Angel Sanchez

What is AB 1950? AB 1950 is a sweeping new probation law in California that dramatically shortens the period of adult probation for most crimes in California.AB 1950 limits California adult probation to a maximum of one year for most misdemeanor offenses and two years for most felony offenses. Continue reading →